what I'm making right now...

I arrived before the crowd to a quiet and clean kitchen. During these few private moments without the noise of pans, tools and tripods, I unloaded my ingredients and put on my new apron. Like a professional athlete whose rituals are vital to winning I believe in mis en place. I believe in respecting my food. I believe in making everything the best it can be.

​"They're going to publish MY RECIPE!" I nervously whispered to myself, setting out the maraschino cherry scones I had baked the night before as a treat for my collaborators. This was a milestone that I wanted to remember. This is why food is the ultimate connector. This is what the power to nourish is all about.

Photo by Camine Pappas

Photo by Camine Pappas

Photo Courtesy Melissa Latin/Charlotte Fashion Plate

The kitchen we would shoot in belonged to a good friend who had recently remodeled, and was generous enough to allow us to take over her space. it was still February so the light was low and natural, casting a glow of anticipating across the peppered granite countertop and reflecting softly off the haint blue walls. Chosen for its size, its layout, and the off-white antiqued cabinets that would surely help showcase the fresh and bright ingredients, the stage was set perfectly for a day with friends and good food.

As the business of cooking was underway, the conversation hummed, the tasting spoons began to pile up in the sink, and we realized that by the time this was published it would be warm and the perfect time for fresh vegetable pasta. No more winter!

I can't tell you how glad I am it is springtime. I am one of those people who complain all winter, longing with absolute lucidity for the hot, steamy, long days of summer. This season of reawakening, of gardening bounty, and of colorful landscapes was surely my inspiration for this dish. When Melissa and I met to brainstorm, it didn't take us more than 3 minutes to know that the recipe would have bright flavors, and be punctuated with fresh local pesto and the most gorgeous scottish salmon I have ever seen.

"Let's include fresh herbs, lemon, and delicate pasta!" I urged, knowing that I was preaching to the choir. In my mind I was already assembling the ingredients; she writing the article in her head. It would be a cooperative effort at greatness on a plate.

You see the care we all took in photographing our day -- the love in which we created the dish and the pride we embodied when plating the meal -- soon gave way to hunger. However we acted like homeless people when it came time to dig into our creation. It was like family-meal, everything center stage and forks shamelessly grabbing a bite of salmon crowned with heaping mounds of pesto, then skewering stacks of heirloom carrots, fennel and asparagus, then dipping each in the bottom of the bowl to sop up all of the vinaigrette and pesto. And, oh, the moans of pleasure!

As quickly as the day started it was over. I was scrubbing the floors, wiping the stove, and covering the last remaining scones realizing that all that remained was for the RECIPE to be published. Just for YOU! ENJOY!

VEGETABLES:Place 2 ½ C red and purpose carrots, and 2 C yellow carrots washed and cut into 1” cubes in a large bowl.1 C cubed fennel bulb (about 1 bulb)4 large garlic cloves cut into thirdsIn another bowl add ¾ C large knob onions cut into large chunks and 2 C angled and thick cut asparagus spears. (You will add these to the roasting pan later in the cooking process.)Toss each bowl of ingredients with 1 -2 T of extra virgin light olive oil and about 1 t kosher salt.EXTRAS:1, 8.82 ounce box of Cipriani Brand Tagliarelle pastaExtra curls of lemon zest and chopped parsley to garnish. For plating, you can also garnish with any herb such as lavender or fennel fronds and a lovely slice of lemon.

VINAIGRETTE:Chop finely 1/3 C Italian parsley and ¼ C fresh mint leaves and 1 t fresh thyme leaves and set aside.In an another small bowl combine ¼ C light olive oil, ½ C white wine vinegar and 1/8 C fresh squeezed lemon juice along with the zest of one large lemon, 1 ½ t yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ½ t cracked black pepper. Blend with whisk and then add the herbs in. Whisk well to incorporate fully. Add a pinch of sugar if too acidic. Inversely, add a bit more lemon juice if brightness is needed (Do this less than 30 minutes before serving so the vinegar doesn’t discolor the herbs.)

DIRECTIONS:Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Empty the bowl with the carrots, fennel bulb, and garlic on a large sheet pan, spread out evenly on pan. Place in hot oven and roast for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes take out and add the bowl with the onions and asparagus, and toss to spread evenly on sheet pan. Put back in the oven and cook for only 10 minutes. At the end of the cooking time, remove and place sheet pan on top of stove to let sit for 10 minutes. Then using a spatula, remove from sheet and pan and place all the cooked veggies in a large bowl and set aside.

Bring a large pot of water, nearly a gallon, to boil. Add the Tagliarelle and stir to loosen. Cook for NO MORE than 3 ½ minutes. Drain and place in a large bowl. DO NOT RINSE. Immediately add about 1/3 of the vinaigrette to the pasta and toss. Now add all but about 1/3 C of the vinaigrette to the bowl with the vegetables and toss them, reserving some for garnish.

TO SERVE:On a plate or wide pasta bowl add the pasta and arrange in a beautiful twisted stack. Now ladle some of the roasted vegetables along the edges creating a beautiful trail of color. Add additional spoonfuls of the vinaigrette that’s settled to the bottom of the bowl, gently on the top. Garnish with lemon zest and a little chopped parsley.

Serve warm or cold! Can top with a protein. I recommend a seared piece of salmon.

2 6 ounce pieces of fresh Scottish salmonSalt/pepperOlive oil3-4 cubes of She’s Pesto cubes (Set out in bowl to thaw)Heat an olive oil rubbed cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Prepare the salmon by rubbing each side with a touch of olive oil and salt/pepper. When pan is to temperature, place salmon skin-side down and allow to sear. Once skin has browned and becomes crispy, about 4 to 5 minutes, flip and brown the other side another 4 to 5 minutes. Depending on the thickness of the fish, you may want to place a lid on the pan for a few minutes to finish. Cook to medium, being sure not to overcook. Stir the pesto and place on top of finished salmon.

Brightly colored carrots become unbelievably sweet and luxurious when roasted, especially with the addition of a piquant Lemon, Mint and Parsley Vinaigrette. The bed of thin, almost transparent Tagliarelle pasta completes the mouth feel, and allows the jewel toned vegetables to take center stage on any table. Served warm or cold, or with a protein such as salmon, this dish is the perfect way to welcome spring!

Meet the Cook...

My name is Camine Pappas and I love to create beautiful and delicious food that anyone can make. My signature style centers around a love for combining things in a way you might not expect as I work to find a hidden combination of colors, textures and flavors from the things that are in my pantry and/or easy to obtain.

Want to get spontaneous with me? It's pretty exciting. Let's all find out what happens when, "I Feel Like Cooking."